Unity with CM Ensured Congress Victory in Karnataka, Says Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday firmly asserted that the Congress’ sweeping victory in the 2023 Assembly elections was the result of strong unity between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking amid growing speculation over leadership change and possible power-sharing, he emphasised that their combined leadership secured 136 constituencies for the Congress, a number that has since risen with support from independent MLAs.

Shivakumar was speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari near Vidhana Soudha and receiving the parade salute at the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations for school students at Kanteerava Stadium. When asked about talk of a “November Revolution” and ongoing debates over the leadership issue, he dismissed rumours, saying: “Only what the Chief Minister and I say matters. No one else’s words have any significance.”

Responding to questions about internal unity, Shivakumar reiterated that harmony between him and Siddaramaiah was the key factor behind the party’s strong mandate. “We won 135 seats, which later became 136, and now our strength has increased to 140,” he said, hinting at recent additions to the ruling coalition. When asked if he saw himself hoisting the Rajyotsava flag in the future, he quipped, “What do you think I did at the stadium just now?”

Shivakumar also addressed concerns surrounding the controversial Bengaluru Tunnel Road project. Expressing willingness to work with the opposition, he announced that he was prepared to form a committee under the leadership of Opposition Leader R. Ashoka to review and guide the project. “The entry and exit points near Lalbagh will be developed at the locations he recommends. There is no need for protests. Ashoka has been elected from Bengaluru several times — he, too, shares responsibility,” he said. The Deputy CM added that others suggested for the committee, including C.N. Ashwath Narayan, would also be included, stressing the need for collective effort.

He further revealed that he had personally visited the Lalbagh area on Friday night to inspect potential entry points for the tunnel and was evaluating alternative routes. “There is no need for any concern,” he assured.

Commenting on reports that police officers in Belagavi were seen taking selfies with Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) members who observed Black Day on Kannada Rajyotsava, Shivakumar called for a constructive approach. “We will work towards bringing a change in MES members. In Karnataka, they may function as one group or organisation, but they are Kannadigas too,” he said.

He stressed that anyone living in Karnataka must identify with the state, learn and speak Kannada, and contribute to its cultural and linguistic growth. “Those residing in this land must support the Kannada language. As for other matters, the Home Minister will provide further details,” Shivakumar added.

With a conciliatory tone toward the opposition and a strong reaffirmation of unity within the ruling Congress, Shivakumar sought to quell speculation and shift focus back to governance and development.